Outdoor spaces should not be sacrificed in response to the pupil place crisis

SIR – As concern for Britain’s lack of primary school places grows (Features, September 4), it is imperative to remember the value of providing our children with outdoor spaces, before these environments are sacrificed in response to the crisis.

Last week, Sir David Attenborough, the patron of our charity, explained that: “Poorly thought-out expansions could destroy one of the few remaining opportunities for many children to make regular contact with the natural world”.

In order to avoid this, it is vital that effective use of the existing grounds for delivering the curriculum is made. This means innovative lower-cost architectural responses and the use of alternative buildings and spaces – as well as better whole-school timetabling to relieve pressure on overcrowded areas.

Reducing children’s access to high-quality outdoor space has a bad effect on behaviour, emotional and physical wellbeing and ultimately on educational standards. We urge schools and local government to consider other options.